HEALTHY HABITS GROW

Research has shown that high consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. To increase knowledge and consumption of fruits and vegetables in children, the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Senior Assistant from the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the after-school coordinator at Howell Elementary School to teach Professor Popcorn. 

The NEP Senior Assistant met with two groups (one group of K-2nd grade students and one group of 3rd-5th grade students) every week for six weeks. She taught the students the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods; she taught them about the importance of washing hands before eating or preparing foods; she taught them the importance of getting physical activity to improve their health.  Each of the classes learned to prepare simple healthy snacks that they could make at home.  The students were having fun learning new skills, and their knowledge in each of the areas increased.  According to a national web-based reporting system (WebNEERS), 100% of the students in the 3rd-5th grade group improved in their abilities to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations, and 73% of them improved their physical activity practices.  In the K-2nd grade group, 80% of the students improved in their abilities to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations, and 80% of them improved their physical activity practices.  

The program was a huge success, and the after-school coordinator invited the NEP Senior Assistant to come again to offer classes to her students.